composting toilet in a bus?

MC6#95 · February 15, 2007, 07:35:53 PM

has any one tried this?

H3Jim · February 15, 2007, 09:10:07 PM

why?

TomC · February 15, 2007, 10:28:20 PM

Either composting or incinerating type. One word- SMELL on the outside of the bus for all your neighbors to enjoy. Keep it simple-use large tanks (I have a 45 gal black tank that easily goes a week with the two of us), and a simple RV style toilet. Reliable, simple, no worries. Good Luck, TomC

kyle4501 · February 16, 2007, 06:52:04 AM

Most composting tiolets need a constant heat source to improve efficiency. This can get expensive while boondocked.

I've used some composting toilets . . . If I have a choice, I won't do that again!

MC6#95 · February 17, 2007, 07:07:28 AM

IF I were to use a composting toilet, my options for my bathroom lay out get allot better. Right now, to get a straight shot into the tank, it limits my layout.
There are some R/V marine toilets that look pretty good, but before I buy, I am going to stick my nose in the vent to see how it compares to a ripe holding tank.
Just looking at options, and wanted to know if any one had expiriance with one in a bus.
Thanks for your time.

DrivingMissLazy · February 17, 2007, 07:17:52 AM

It is not mandatory to get a straight shot into the holding tank. At least many have posted that as long as there is some slope and no sharp bends everything is fine.
Richard

Quote from: MC6#95 on February 17, 2007, 07:07:28 AM
IF I were to use a composting toilet, my options for my bathroom lay out get allot better. Right now, to get a straight shot into the tank, it limits my layout.
There are some R/V marine toilets that look pretty good, but before I buy, I am going to stick my nose in the vent to see how it compares to a ripe holding tank.
Just looking at options, and wanted to know if any one had expiriance with one in a bus.
Thanks for your time.

pete81eaglefanasty · February 17, 2007, 08:51:26 AM

Your right Richard, I got ours off about 2ft from center, never have any problem, like you said it must be at a angle.

Pete & Jean
Fantasy

TomC · February 17, 2007, 09:10:28 AM

My RV Sealand toilet is on the right side of the bus (bathroom built around the rear door of the transit to have direct access from outside). My 45 gal black tank is mounted going fore and aft in the center with about a 3ft pipe for the offset. Granted you have to use a little more water, but it works every time. Good Luck, TomC

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · February 17, 2007, 02:41:20 PM

Hi MC6#95,

Here is some information on SeaLand marine VaccuFlush systems.

This could be another option for your layout.

http://www.dometicsanitation.com/vf.asp

Nick-

kyle4501 · February 17, 2007, 04:50:09 PM

IF your toilet is not directly over the holding tank, it may take a little more water to flush. One RVing trick is to have a special trash can for the paper. It takes lots less water to flush that way.

Just be sure to have as much slope as you can & minimal bends in the plumbing run. Prep the pipe ends to minimize any chance for snags.

NJT5047 · February 17, 2007, 07:35:48 PM

Quote from: kyle4501 on February 17, 2007, 04:50:09 PM
One RVing trick is to have a special trash can for the paper. It takes lots less water to flush that way.

EEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWW!! Special trash can my a$$...haz-mat container would be more like it!

I'll pass on the "save the paper" thingy! Kyle's been reading Mother Earth News again!

Regarding pottie plumbing offsets, I have about 2.5' offset and no problems at all. I did radius the flow direction of the fittings and pipe so that nothing would snag...as Kyle suggested.
Don't notice any additional water use....?
May I suggest setting up a compost pottie in a small environment and see how that goes? Like maybe in a closet. That would emulate the conditions in a bus.
When plumbing the crapper, the KISS method is best. They are not fun items to repair. Nor are they fun items to have in disrepair. Momma ain't gonna like that at all.
Good luck, JR

kyle4501 · February 18, 2007, 12:35:57 PM

JR, just what have you been eating???

My parents have logged over 250,000 miles camping in trailers & now in a motor home. The special 'can for paper' follows the principle of "Before it goes in the toilet, you have to eat it". They NEVER EVER have a problem with their holding tanks (blockages or poor draining) & the odor has not been an issue either. They can go longer boondocking on a 20 gal black tank than you could immagine.

But the GREATEST thing about building your own conversion is that you can do it your way!

And this board allows you to find out about other ideas . . . some good, & some not so good.

Jeremy · February 18, 2007, 12:44:41 PM

A macerating toilet is the answer if you cannot get the tank near the toilet. You can also get macerating units to go behind regular toilets; either way it completely opens up your options for planning your layout.

Jeremy

NJT5047 · February 18, 2007, 01:15:03 PM

Quote from: kyle4501 on February 18, 2007, 12:35:57 PM
JR, just what have you been eating???

Ummmmm....maybe it's the adult beverages?

Hey....it cuts down on water use!

JR